'Large' gang of motorcyclists flee Havant police after being caught breaking lockdown laws to have a picnic at Dunsbury Hill

The ‘large’ gang of motorcyclists had been preparing chicken kebabs and burgers in woodland at Dunsbury Hill, Waterlooville, but fled on their motorbikes after being caught red-handed by officers on push bikers.

The group escaped the scene but left much of their equipment, including four helmets, a cool box and several bags – which police are now threatening to destroy if the bikers don’t come and explain themselves.

Speaking on Facebook yesterday, Havant police said: ‘Whilst riding on our bikes, we may struggle to always catch the motorbikes themselves but we will continue to catch them unaware.

‘This time a large number of riders made off from us upon our arrival whilst having a social gathering and they were just about to light up a BBQ and bonfire, leaving a large number of personal belongings behind.

‘To the riders who rode off from police this afternoon, we are putting the ball in your court.

‘Either, you can come to Waterlooville police station and claim your personal property you left behind... but you will need to sit with us first and answer some questions as to 1) who rode what bikes and 2) what you were doing not adhering to the #Covid-19 guidelines, 3) give your explanation as you why you had certain items in your bag which are illegal to possess.

‘Or you can leave the items here with us, and we will destroy them for you.’

The incident prompted angry responses on Facebook from residents, with one saying: ‘Some people round here need to wake up and smell the coffee. People do want to be able to leave the house. If idiots are going to keep going out for non-essential reasons it’ll make things worse for everyone and it’ll be a lot longer then the estimated time so far.’

However, others questioned what the bikers had done that was wrong.

People breaking lockdown rules, designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, can be fined or even arrested for ignoring stay-at-home measures, following sweeping powers granted to police.

Those caught flouting the restrictions on movement can be fined £60, with the fine doubling after each offence.

As previously reported, Hampshire police issued 103 fines between March 26 to April 13, the National Police Chiefs Council said.

Neighbouring Sussex police issued 163 and Thames Valley gave out 219. Lancashire issued 380 - the most overall. The Met issued 81.

Across England, Police issued 3,203 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws during the two-and-a-half week period.